Traders Call on Rahul to Reevaluate SIR Protests During Festive Season, Highlighting Business Losses
NEW DELHI: Traders’ associations have called on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to reconsider ongoing protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They argue that the demonstrations and road blockades in the national capital are negatively impacting businesses during the crucial Diwali season.
Trade representatives have expressed concern that the disruptions are deterring customers and limiting market access. Many traders stock up on goods and take loans ahead of the festive season, relying on increased sales to cover annual expenses. Small traders are reportedly suffering the most from these interruptions.
Ajay Gupta, a member of the National Traders Welfare Board, urged Gandhi to rethink the protests, stating that they create an atmosphere of chaos. He emphasized that while protesting is a right, it should not hinder the daily operations of businesses or harm the public.
Ghanshyam Das Goyal from the Dal and Besan Millers Association noted that traders from surrounding areas typically visit Delhi to purchase stock for Diwali. However, the ongoing disruptions have discouraged them from making the trip. Prakash Purgal of the Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchant Association echoed these sentiments, calling for dialogue instead of road blockades. He warned that the closures during this festive period could severely impact small businesses.
Purgal highlighted the importance of the Dussehra and Diwali seasons for traders, who are just beginning to recover from previous business challenges. He urged that any disputes should be resolved through conversation rather than protests that disrupt commerce.
Several trade bodies from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Kerala submitted representations on October 12 and 13, requesting measures to prevent protests from obstructing commercial activities during the festive season. The traders’ appeal coincides with an escalating campaign by the INDIA bloc against the Election Commission’s operations under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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